The
inconsistency among these studies may be explained by differences in types of
fruits consumed in different study populations as well as difference in
participants’ characteristics, study design, and assessment methods. Furthermore,
the greater variety, but not quantity, of fruits consumed was associated with a
lower risk of type 2 diabetes.

Fruits
have highly variable contents of fibre, antioxidants, other nutrients, and phytochemicals
that jointly may influence the risk.

Researchers
at the Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) thus embarked on a study involving
10 individual fruits: grapes or raisins; peaches, plums, or apricots; prunes;
bananas; cantaloupe; apples or pears; oranges; grapefruit; strawberries; and
blueberries.

The
researchers examined data gathered between 1984 and 2008 from 187,382
participants in three long-running studies (Nurses’ Health Study, Nurses’
Health Study II, and Health Professionals Follow-Up Study). Participants who
reported a diagnosis of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or cancer at
enrollment were excluded. Results showed that 12,198 participants (6.5%)
developed diabetes during the study period.

The
researchers looked at overall fruit consumption, as well as consumption of
individual fruits.

Blueberries, Grapes, and Apples

People
who ate at least two servings each week of certain whole fruits — particularly
blueberries, grapes, and apples — reduced their risk for type 2 diabetes by as
much as 23 percent in comparison to those who ate less than one serving per
month.

Conversely,
those who consumed one or more servings of fruit juice each day increased their
risk of developing type 2 diabetes by as much as 21 percent.

The
researchers found that swapping three servings of juice per week for whole
fruits would result in a 7 percent reduction in diabetes risk.

The
researchers theorize that the beneficial effects of certain individual fruits
could be the result of a particular component. Previous studies have linked
anthocyanins found in berries and grapes to lowered heart attack risk, for
example. But more research is necessary to determine which components in the
more beneficial fruits influence diabetes risk.

###

The above story is based on the Harvard Gazette of
August 29, 2013

The study appeared online in the Aug. 29 issue of
the British Medical Journal:

The
study did not any distinction between freshly expressed juice and packet juice
with or without added sugar.

However,
the high glycaemic index (a measure of how rapidly carbohydrates in a food
boost blood sugar) of fruit juice — which passes through the digestive system
more rapidly than fiber-rich fruit — may explain the positive link between
juice consumption and increased diabetes risk.

the fine print

Prices and promotions are subject to change without notice.

We do not promote dangerous and illegal drugs.

The information in Zestzfulness is provided for informational purposes and is not meant to substitute for advice provided by your own doctor or pharmacist. We strive to present the most updated information to you; however, no warranty or guarantee is made concerning the accuracy and/or completeness or the information in or linked to or from this site.

If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly contact your doctor or pharmacist.